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Pre-Procedure

Pre-procedure common questions

Get answers to common questions
about pacemakers.

Alert Important Safety Information

What is a pacemaker?

A pacemaker is a small device that monitors the heart and sends an electrical impulse to pace the heart when its rhythm is interrupted, irregular, or too slow.

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What are pacemakers used to treat?

Pacemakers are most commonly used to treat a slow or irregular heart rate. Bradycardia, a condition in which the heart beats too slowly, is commonly treated by pacing devices.  

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How do I know if I need a pacemaker?

Your doctor will assess your condition and determine whether a pacemaker is right for you. Common bradycardia symptoms include:

  • Dizziness and fainting
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Shortness of breath

Talk to your doctor right away if you experience any of these symptoms.

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How does a pacemaker work?

A pacemaker is designed to mimic the heart’s natural rhythm when there are disturbances, such as pauses, in the natural rhythm. The pacemaker has two main purposes — pacing and sensing.

  • Pacing: A pacemaker will send an electrical impulse to the heart when the heart’s own rhythm is too slow or interrupted.
  • Sensing: A pacemaker will also “sense” (monitor) the heart’s natural electrical or mechanical activity. When the pacemaker senses a natural heartbeat, it will not deliver a pacing pulse.
Watch Video to Learn More

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What does a pacemaker look like?

It depends on the type of pacemaker:

  • Traditional pacemakers are a small, round devices about the size of a tea bag and include leads — thin, soft, insulated wires about the size of a spaghetti noodle — which are connected directly to the heart and deliver the electrical impulse from the pacemaker.
  • Leadless pacemakers are less than a tenth of the size of traditional pacemakers and are the approximate shape and size of a large vitamin capsule. These devices do not require leads, as they are implanted directly into the heart through a minimally invasive procedure to deliver pacing therapy.
Traditional pacemaker with leads on a white background

Traditional pacemaker

Small leadless pacemaker without leads on a white background

Leadless pacemaker

Small vitamin capsule that is half blue in color shown on a white background

Vitamin

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My doctor told me I need a pacemaker — can I receive a leadless option?

Only your doctor can determine if you are eligible for a leadless pacemaker. If you’ve been told you need a pacemaker, it’s important to talk to your doctor about which option is right for you.

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Related pages

Pace of Mind is a Medtronic educational initiative about new leadless pacing options for patients.

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